Back in the Bundesliga

I apparently just can’t get enough of the place. This is my fifth visit in about the last 16 months – all linked to volleyball. This time I’m back in Bühl where I visited at this same time last year and helped out with the early part of the TV Bühl team which plays in the top men’s division in the Bundesliga.

Last year I was here for about 10 days. This time it will be twice that. I’m calling it my coaching preseason. This isn’t a situation where I’ll just be observing. I’ll actually be in the gym helping run drills and games for upwards of 6 hours a day during the week (weekends are given off unless there’s some competition lined up). That’s about twice as long as I’ll be on-court with Svedala when we get started at the end of the month, but I need it. Months of PhD work focus comprising mainly sitting in front of a computer has me out of coaching shape.

If last year is any indication, the first couple of days could be a bit difficult physically (back, mainly), but that will gradually improve. I’m looking forward to the increased physical activity.

I’m also looking forward to a serious volleyball immersion. It should get my coaching mind nicely charged up for the new season. TV Bühl head coach Ruben Wolochin is a one who actively solicits ideas, so I’m sure there will be plenty of coaching brainstorming, planning, and strategizing. Not doubt I’ll have plenty of material for future blog posts from it all.

As an aside, though it’s somewhat larger in size, Bühl has a small town feel to it not unlike Svedala’s. Svedala is a bit closer to a decent-sized city (Malmö), but Bühl has the clear edge in scenery as it has a mountain backdrop to the landscape.

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About the Author: John Forman

John most recently coached for an NCAA Division II women's team. That followed a stint as head coach for a women's professional team in Sweden. Prior to that he was the head coach for the University of Exeter Volleyball Club BUCS teams (roughly the UK version of the NCAA) while working toward a PhD. He previously coached in Division I of NCAA Women's Volleyball in the US, with additional experience at the Juniors club level, both coaching and managing, among numerous other volleyball adventures. Learn more on his bio page.

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